in the face of the Russian threat, the country finally joins NATO

It is a wild region, but of strategic importance. We are along the border between Finland and Russia. At the location of the trees in the forest which have recently been cut down, the future fence will be erected which will separate the two countries. A position that could be protected by NATO. In northeastern Europe, this new border between Russia and NATO extends over 1,340 km. For Finland, joining NATO means ensuring the support of the United States and all the other member states, in the event of an attack. The last obstacle to Finnish membership was lifted on Thursday March 30, after the agreement of the Turkish parliament. Turkey was the last country not to have given the green light yet, ten months after Finland’s request.

280,000 men available

A major change for Finland, which had always distinguished itself by its neutrality in conflicts. But that was before the war in Ukraine and the Russian threat. Three-quarters of Finns were in favor of joining. Very good news also for Sanna Marin, the Finnish Prime Minister in the campaign, three days before the general elections for which she is seeking a new mandate. “This membership is the result of a huge national effort. I am very proud of us”, she said. As of next week, the soldiers will officially join NATO forces. With its reservists, the Finnish army has 280,000 soldiers ready to fight for the defense of their country.